Football: With new coach, Jesuit out to beat projections

By Jeff Jenkins |
August 7, 2012

New Strake Jesuit football coach James Clancy puts the Crusaders through their paces during spring camp last May.

Photo By Courtesy Strake Jesuit

New Strake Jesuit football coach James Clancy puts the Crusaders through their paces during spring camp in May 2012.

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In the middle: Strake Jesuit was picked to finish sixth in District 19-5A by "Dave Campbell's 2012 Texas Football" magazine. But the Crusaders, under new head coach James Clancy, hope to reach the postseason for the first time since 2008.

Plenty of options: Senior Ben Huskinson is one of the most versatile players on Strake Jesuit's roster. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder is an all-district selection at defensive end, but he also may see action at linebacker or tight end.

New era: Clancy and the Crusaders will kick off the season at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, against defending Class 5A-Division II state champion DeKaney at Leonard George Stadium in Spring.

"Any time someone puts you in the middle, there's room for improvement," Clancy said. "I know we can do better than that."

Clancy understands the reasoning for the modest predictions. Strake Jesuit, one of only two private schools in the University Interscholastic League, is coming off back-to-back 3-7 finishes and hasn't made the Class 5A playoffs since 2008. Meanwhile, District 19-5A, which includes the Katy ISD schools and Memorial, is one of the deepest leagues from top to bottom in Greater Houston.

But Clancy, formerly the offensive coordinator at Klein Oak, downplays the rest history. He has his players - and the entire Strake Jesuit fan base - excited about the future.

"We expect to compete with every team on our schedule, week in and week out," Clancy said.

With practice starting on Monday, Aug. 13, Clancy hasn't exactly settled on a starting line-up. There could be plenty of changes until the season opener at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, against defending Class 5A-Division II state champion DeKaney at Leonard George Stadium in Spring.

"We're trying to put the best 11 players on the field, on both sides of the ball," Clancy said. "We might move some guys around, if it's helps the team."

A good example is senior Ben Huskinson. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder, a top college prospect, is a returning starter at defensive end.

However, Clancy feels Huskinson could line up at a multitude of positions.

"Ben is an athlete, so it gives us a few more options," Clancy said. "He could play defensive end, linebacker or tight end. He's so versatile."

Huskinson powers a 3-4 defense that figures to be much-improved.

Aside from Huskinson, senior Elijah Cherry (6-3, 205) is back at the other end spot.

"Elijah has adjusted well to the new defense," Clancy said. "We expect him to contribute."

But Clancy said a few other defensive linemen must emerge, especially at nose guard.

But the most intriguing prospect might be junior Colby Chapman (6-2, 160), a receiver/quarterback.

"Colby's older brother (Graham) was a starting quarterback here, so he has the pedigree," Clancy said. "Colby had a strong spring and he continues to get better."

The offensive line is solid, with seniors Allen Ahn (6-0, 230) and Alex Rice (6-2, 230) returning at left and right guard, respectively. Other starters include junior Michael Welsh (6-3, 240) at left tackle, sophomore Gus Sulentic (6-1, 230) at center and senior John Kegg (6-2, 235) at right tackle.

"Considering it's a new offense, everyone is playing pretty well," Clancy said. "We just need a few more snaps."

Clancy said the Crusaders will be tested by a non-district schedule that includes contests against DeKaney, St.

Thomas and Dallas Jesuit. By the time District 19-5A arrives, he expects his squad to be ready.